depurative

[dep-yuh-rey-tiv]

adjective

1. serving to depurate; purifying.

noun

1. a depurative agent or substance.

depurative

/ ˈdɛpjʊˌreɪtɪv, -rətɪv /

adjective

1. used for or capable of depurating; purifying; purgative

noun

1. a depurative substance or agent

Word History and Origins

Origin of depurative¹

First recorded in 1675–85; depurate + -ive

Example Sentences

The indications for depurative treatment are jaundiced skin and eyes, furred tongue, costive bowels, and scanty, loaded urine.

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I give it merely as a depurative, and not as an alterative.

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It is therefore proper that in this large majority of cases of remittent fever depurative treatment should be conjoined with the specific treatment.

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Purgatives should be used for their depurative effects, and never as antiphologistics.

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I have found bitartrate of potassium the most grateful and efficient saline for depurative action.

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